4 Standout Cape Town Whale Watching Tours

1.Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 378 reviews · 7 hours · from $221Our pick

You’ll travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then cruise the De Kelders cliffs toward Hermanus with an English-speaking guide. The boat carries 40 but is limited to 25 passengers. Look for Southern right whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and seasonal sightings of humpbacks and orcas.

“We had an amazing day seeing the whales up close and swim right past our boat. This trip was worth every penny. Only one thing … the description mentions drinks and snacks which nobody received .”

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2.Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · from $51Best value

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus in a small group of up to 18, with an English-speaking guide such as Louis or Brahm. Expect a scenic coastal drive, shore-based whale watching, optional boat cruise, Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting, and a stop at Peregrine Farm Stall.

“The coastal drive alone made the trip worthwhile but seeing the whales up close is something I will never forget. Our tour guides, Louis, wealth of knowledge was unbelievable and made the tour that much more interesting.”

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3.Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 110 reviews · 2 hours · from $249

Ride from Cape Town with a local English-speaking guide such as Neil or Bruce, stopping along the Overberg coast before a two-hour Ivanhoe Sea Safaris cruise from Gansbaai. Look for southern right whales, seals, and dolphins, then visit Hermanus and Peregrine Farm Stall. Pickup, entrance fees, and return transport are included.

“perfect organisation, a verry charming and helpfull guide (neil fergusson) he was verry flexible from the route planing. we saw a lot of whales, direct in front of us. absolutly to recommended!!”

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4.Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · from $242

Leave Cape Town around 6:30 am in a private vehicle with a guide such as John, Kelly, Samson, or Barnabas. Take a 2 to 3-hour shared boat trip from Hermanus, then visit a wine estate, stop at Stony Point’s penguin colony, and return by the scenic R44. Whale trips run June through mid-December and depend on good weather.

“visite des baleines depuis un bateau, un peu déçu car les bateaux ne sont pas autorisés de s'approcher à moins de 50 M des baleines.”

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